The United Nations reports that more than 800,000 people displaced by war in Lebanon have started returning to their towns and areas of origin after a lull in violence. UN humanitarian agency OCHA says that as of 30 July, 821,077 people have begun the return. Despite the increase in movements home, OCHA also states that more than 360,000 people remain displaced, including about 26,000 who are staying in government shelters.
The announcements come as Lebanon and Israel engage in a new round of US-sponsored talks in Rome aimed at ending the fighting. The talks are scheduled to run until Thursday. The reports do not provide details on conditions in return locations, but they indicate that displacement is easing for a portion of affected communities while significant numbers of people remain unable or unwilling to return immediately.
